While petrol-electric hybrid cars of below 2.0 litres became much cheaper after the Budget 2011 incentives, Honda Malaysia has become the first car maker to offer an affordable version costing less than RM100,000.
It was launched at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) 2010 at the Putra World Trade Centre here yesterday.
Priced at RM98,000, the Insight promises a package that is highly fuel-efficient, stylish and fun to drive.
Although slightly smaller than Honda’s RM108,980 Civic Hybrid model, the Insight still gets a spacious and comfortable interior.
It is powered by an improved 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine and a new generation Integrated Motor Assist system to improve overall engine performance.
Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Rohime Shafie said more than 300 bookings for the Insight were received even before its launch.
Honda Malaysia has forecasted the demand to hit 4,000 units next year.
Other hybrids that will be on display at the 10-day motor show that opens today are the Toyota FT-HS, Lexus LS 600hL, Mitsubishi PX-MiEV and Chery A5 BSG.
Meanwhile, at Proton’s booth, the attention grabbers were its series of the Pahlawan concept and show cars inspired by the five legendary warriors of the Malacca empire – Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu and Hang Kasturi.
Unveiled for the first time, the Tuah is a large sedan concept, Jebat a high performance sedan, Lekir a sports car, Lekiu a five-door crossover and Kasturi an entry level sedan.
Meanwhile, Perodua unveiled its next generation concept vehicle called the Bezza, a compact model that comes with rear sliding doors and seats that can swivel for easy exit. It also features intelligent multimedia and mobile connectivity.
